Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 Jan 1995

Vol. 448 No. 3

Written Answers. - Child Abuse Prevention Programme Report.

Derek McDowell

Question:

122 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Education her views in relation to the report of the Child Abuse Prevention Programme entitled A Proposal for the Future Involvement of Teachers in the area of Child Welfare and Protection. [2123/95]

Derek McDowell

Question:

140 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Education the action, if any, she will take on the recommendations of the Child Abuse Prevention Programme in its report A Proposal for the Future Involvement of Teachers in the Area of Child Welfare and Protection. [2122/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 140 together.

The report to which the Deputy refers does not contain the recommendations of the Child Abuse Prevention Programme (CAPP). From representations which I have received the report would appear to be sponsored by individual teachers who are seconded to CAPP. I have no plans to act on the recommendations contained in the report.

My Department has received separate proposals from the directors of CAPP which are designed to ensure the continued successful implementation of the "Stay Safe" programme in primary schools. The directors have also made specific proposals for putting in place a comprehensive maintenance structure for the programme.

As the Deputy may be aware I announced on 23 January last measures to be taken by my Department in support of the directors' proposals. In particular I am sure the Deputy will be pleased to note that I have extended the secondment of eight teachers to the CAPP until the end of June next. Thereafter I will be replacing the teachers on full-time release with a wider network of teachers, capable of supporting the programme on a part-time basis. This approach concurs with that advocated by the CAPP directors and is designed to build on the success of the programme to date.

The proposals made in the report to which the Deputy refers are more extensive. The report is not confined to the issues which the CAPP has sought to address and a structure for delivery is proposed which is substantially at odds with the plans which the CAPP directors have for the longer term maintenance of an effective child abuse prevention programme in primary schools. I favour the more focused approach of the CAPP directors and I am making arrangements for funding and other support measures on that basis.